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Perth Mint issued 2012 Australian Platypus 1oz Platinum Bullion Coin

January 19, 2012 – This series features the iconic and loveable Australian platypus, struck from 1oz of 99.95% pure platinum in bullion quality.Platypuses are unique to Australia and live beside freshwater rivers and lakes, where they create burrows for shelter and protection. The platypus is mainly nocturnal and uses its webbed feet for swimming. This unusual creature swims with its eyes closed and must return to the water’s surface for oxygen. The average lifespan of the platypus is twelve years.

The coin’s reverse depicts a charming image of an Australian platypus and features representations of underwater oxygen bubbles and plant life. The reverse design also incorporates The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark, the 2012 year-date and coin specifications. Issued as legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965, the coin’s obverse bears the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

You are looking for some basic information on the platypus? National Geographic has assembled the essential facts here.